Exercise Physiologist

Exercise Physiologist

At White River Health, we do more than provide healthcare; we build healthier communities. Our team thrives because we lead with heart and hold ourselves to a higher standard. We believe that every interaction is an opportunity to make a difference, and we empower our employees to grow in an environment built on trust and professional pride.

Our culture is defined by CARES :

• Compassion: We lead with empathy, ensuring every patient and colleague feels seen and heard.
• Accountability: We take ownership of our work and follow through on our promises.
• Respect: We value diverse perspectives and treat everyone with dignity.
• Excellence: We strive for the highest quality in everything we do, from clinical care to daily operations.
• Safety: We prioritize a secure, reliable environment for our patients and our team.

The Exercise Physiologist plays a vital role in the Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation program by developing and implementing individualized exercise programs for patients with cardiovascular and pulmonary conditions. This position involves conducting comprehensive patient assessments, evaluating physical capabilities and limitations, and developing safe, evidence-based exercise prescriptions based on each patient's diagnosis, medical history, functional status, and rehabilitation goals.

The Exercise Physiologist works closely with registered nurses, physicians, and other members of the healthcare team to monitor patients throughout their rehabilitation program, assess their response to exercise, and modify exercise plans as appropriate to promote safety and optimal outcomes. Responsibilities also include providing education and encouragement to help patients understand the importance of exercise, lifestyle modification, and long-term disease management.

A key focus of this role is helping patients improve functional capacity, strength, endurance, and overall quality of life while reducing the risk of future cardiac or pulmonary complications. The Exercise Physiologist contributes to a patient-centered, multidisciplinary approach to rehabilitation by applying expertise in exercise science and physiology to support patients throughout their recovery and transition toward long-term health and wellness.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Exercise Physiology, Kinesiology, or a related field.
• Demonstrated knowledge of human physiology, exercise prescription, and injury prevention.
• Current certification in First Aid and CPR.
• Experience in conducting fitness assessments and developing personalized training programs.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in Exercise Physiology, Sports Science, or related discipline.
• Experience working with clinical populations or in rehabilitation settings.
• Certification in strength and conditioning or personal training (e.g., NSCA-CSCS, NASM).
• Certification as an Exercise Physiologist from a recognized professional organization (e.g., ACSM Certified Exercise Physiologist).
• Familiarity with electronic health records and fitness tracking software.
• Additional training in nutrition or wellness coaching.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct thorough assessments of clients' physical fitness, including strength, agility, cardiovascular endurance, and flexibility.
• Develop and implement individualized exercise programs based on client assessments, health status, and fitness goals.
• Monitor client progress regularly, adjusting exercise prescriptions to optimize outcomes and prevent injury.
• Provide education and guidance on proper exercise techniques, injury prevention strategies, and healthy lifestyle habits.
• Collaborate with healthcare professionals to integrate exercise plans into broader treatment or rehabilitation protocols.
• Maintain accurate and detailed records of client assessments, exercise plans, and progress notes.
• Respond promptly and effectively to any client emergencies or injuries, applying first aid as necessary.

The required skills such as exercise physiology and physiology are fundamental for understanding the body's responses to physical activity and designing safe, effective exercise programs. Agility and strength training expertise enable the Exercise Physiologist to create dynamic routines that improve clients' functional movement and muscular fitness. Proficiency in push/pull mechanics is essential for instructing proper technique and preventing injury during resistance exercises. Personal training skills facilitate clear communication and motivation, ensuring clients adhere to their programs and achieve their goals. First aid knowledge is critical for managing any immediate health concerns, while exercise prescription and injury prevention skills are applied daily to tailor interventions that promote recovery and long-term wellness.